It's hard to believe that 2023 is almost over, but here we are with the holidays just around the corner. And while the holidays are a joyous and exciting time, they can also be pretty stressful. So why not consider enjoying a sweet Outer Banks vacation before the demands of the holiday season kick in? We're booking RIGHT NOW for stays in November and December, so be sure to look at our available rentals and book your next weekend retreat or weeklong stay. Enjoy an early Christmas present and get ready to enjoy the Outer Banks in the off-season. Swimming in the ocean isn't the only thing great about the Outer Banks! We've got weekend itineraries for November and December to help you get the most out of your Outer Banks autumn & winter stay.
This itinerary is for Veterans Day Weekend on the Outer Banks. Check out our guide to all the happenings for Veterans Week with our guide here.
Friday, November 10
8:00 AM - Easy Breakfast at a Local Favorite! For a tasty sit-down family breakfast, stop by Henry’s Restaurant at 3396 N. Croatan Hwy. in Kill Devil Hills between 7AM and 1PM. Open year-round, Henry’s has a menu selection that will satisfy even the pickiest palate. Try “The Captain” which offers 2 eggs cooked to your preference, grits or home fries, toast or biscuits, and your choice of protein (like country ham, pork chop, ham, sausage, and bacon!) You can also order breakfast sandwiches, omelettes, hot cakes and more! View full menu. Check out other recommended breakfast options here.
10:00 AM - Wright Brothers National Memorial! Since you're already in the area, now is the best time to make a stop at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Come explore the exhibits and the monument to celebrate the "12 seconds that changed the world." This was the time of year that Orville and Wilbur were trying to get their flying machine up in the air, so come take a walk around the grounds and enjoy the brisk, refreshing winds of the Outer Banks in December!
12:00 PM - Lunch in Kill Devil Hills! There are so many great restaurants in Kill Devil Hills to enjoy a delicious meal. Head on over to Mama Kwans for a fantastic lunch of fresh seafood or Country Deli for fresh meats and cheeses and a laid-back atmosphere.
2:00 PM - Afternoon at Jockey's Ridge! As we're making our way down the island, the next stop is Jockey's Ridge State Park where you can run around on the dunes, have some fun in the sand, or head on across the street to Jockey's Ridge Crossing to get some holiday shopping in! Grab some dinner in the area, head back home and eat at the house, or head on over to the Outer Banks Brewing Station early for an amazing selection of beer and seafood, starters, and options for the whole family including gluten-free and vegetarian options.
9:00PM - Attend the War Hippes Concert at Outer Banks Vrewing Station! For drink, delicious eats, and amazing music, head to Outer Banks Brewing Station for the War Hippies Concert, part of the Dare Arts Veterans Week events on the Outer Banks. They've been topping the musical charts over the last few years and are bringing their music to continue their ongoing advocacy work for veterans and their families. What better way to start/end your Outer Banks vacation than to enjoy some amazing music with a positive message and commitment to veterans.
Saturday, November 11
9:00 AM - Visit Dowdy Park Holiday Farmer's Market! Get started on that Christmas shopping early by taking a trip to the Dowdy Park Holiday Farmer's Market! Locals and visitors alike like the wide variety of incredible homemade goods and fresh produce that everyone brings to the market. Enjoy all of these special treats with a wonderful holiday spin, making your time on the Outer Banks so much more special. Spots at the holiday market go quick with only the best entrepreneurs on the beach showing up to make your holiday shopping easy.
11:00 AM - Stop By the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station! Head down toward Hatteras Island for the day and make your first stop at the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station to learn more about this little-known organization that eventually became part of the Coast Guard and learn about the daring water rescues that changed the course of history. Stop by the Hatteras Island British Cemetery in Buxton where you'll encounter the resting places of two unidentified British sailors who found their way ashore in Buxton during the turbulent times of World War II. Their silent presence serves as a testament to the profound impact of history on this remote and cherished stretch of the Outer Banks.
1:00 PM - Explore the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse! After grabbing some lunch at one the quaint eateries on Hatteras Island, head down to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Take a look at this memorable structure that was relocated to its current spot in 1999. The visitor center and two historic lightkeeper's quarters are also on site. Take in this beautiful piece of local Outer Banks history and keep an eye out for the ghost cat that lives by the lighthouse!
2:00 PM - Take an Afternoon Trip to Ocracoke! Since you're already on this side of the island, why not hop on the Ocracoke Ferry and spend the afternoon exploring Ocracoke Island? See the British Cemetery. This piece of land has been leased in perpetuity to the British Commonwealth, serving as the eternal resting place for four brave souls who tragically lost their lives on May 11, 1942 when a German U-Boat torpedoed a British ship. Visit the Ocracoke Lighthouse and go shopping at one of the dozens of shops that are within easy walking distance of the main area in town. Check out Springer's Point Preserve and see if you can see the ghost of Blackeard on the water. Grab dinner at one of the amazing restaurants on the island and be sure to get back on the ferry before 8:00 PM.
Sunday, November 12
7:00 AM - Run (or Watch) the TowneBank Outer Banks Marathon! Are you a runner? Family of a runner? Enjoy supporting runners? Whether you're running or watching,you will not want to miss the TowneBank Outer Banks Marathon. This year, the rest starts at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, takes you down into Manns Harbor before ending right by the Waterside Theatre, home of The Lost Colony. The OBX Towne Bank Marathon is the oldest continuously running road race in the Outer Banks! The marathon course is fast and flat, which makes it the perfect place for your first marathon or even your own personal record! Participants will enjoy the gorgeous natural scenery along the course as it twists and turns across the islands of the Outer Banks. Spectators line up to cheer on all the athletes and as you cross the finish line, the party is right there waiting for you! The post-race celebration will feature live music and entertainment, as well as excellent southern barbecue (free for all runners!) and an awesome beer garden for all those 21+.
12:00 PM - Lunch in Downtown Manteo! After the race, head to one of Manteo's premiere dining spots for a delicious lunch. Whether you're looking for something light on the water or a full seafood feast, you'll find something to satisfy your entire family. Make your way to Ortega'z Southwestern Grill & Wine Bar for something south of the border or Poor Richard's Sandwich Shop for a French Dip or a Reuben. Striper's Bar & Grille or Lost Colony Tavern is perfect for a traditional sit–down restaurant while Darrell's will get you set up with all the Southern fixings.
3:00 PM - Explore Elizabethan Gardens! If you've still got the energy to explore, check out Elizabethan Gardens! Even during the fall, there are plenty of beautiful plants to see and explore as you walk around this gorgeous garden. There's also a wide variety of flowers that bloom in November, so be sure check out what's in bloom here and enjoy your trip through the gardens. Take lots of pictures and enjoy the fresh air!
5:00 PM - Seafood Dinner at Home! Pick up some fresh local seafood from a local seafood market and head back to your cozy vacation rental for a relaxing evening dinner. Enjoy some time together under the stars and let yourself just relax and enjoy the comfortable temperate weather of November on the Outer Banks. Check out our stargazing guide for some information on how to get the most out of your trip and consider booking one of our rentals with a warm, bubbly Hot Tub for even more relaxation!
7:00 PM - Enjoy a Bonfire on the Beach! There are few things better than sitting around a bonfire on the beach on a cool autumn night. Listen to the sounds of the ocean and cook up some s'mores for an unforgettable night of family fun. For an even more relaxing vacation, let Outer Banks Beach Fires do the leg work. When you book your Beach Fire Package, Outer Banks Beach Fires will build and tear down your beach fire for the night. All you have to do is show up and enjoy! Be sure to check out their fantastic assortment of upgrades including a S'Mores Package, Tables, Coolers, Speakers, and additional Tiki Torches. And as a Seaside Vacations guest, you'll be able to take advantage of Outer Banks Beach Fires' Club Seaside offering! Simply book one of Outer Banks Beach Fires' many appealing beach fire packages and mention Club Seaside to get 10% off your Beach Fire Package!
Book Your Next November Stay Now!
Looking for a last-minute deal on an Outer Banks vacation rental home? Click here! We're booking RIGHT NOW for the rest of the year and 2024!
Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next historic adventure to the Outer Banks. And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. Give us a call today! Be sure to provide accurate information and make any necessary payments.
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We’ll see you at the beach.
About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, trained historian, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.
